Computer Coding Academy Started by African-Americans Finds Success

Computer Coding Academy Started by African-Americans Finds Success

Mike McGee and Neal Sales-Griffin, both African-Americans, founded a computer coding academy that is thriving in Chicago.

Published March 1, 2013

There has been a tech start-up boom over the past decade, but it seems African-Americans have missed out. Fewer than 1 percent of tech start-ups are founded by African-Americans, according to a "Venture Capitol Activity" report by CB Insights.

But two African-Americans in Chicago are trying to change those numbers. Neal Sales-Griffin and Mike McGee, both 24, founded the Starter League computer coding academy in 2011. Since then, the school has taught 500 people from 30 states and 15 countries. Their revenue last year was at least $1 million.